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Can a pill cure racism? Not quite, but...

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File this one under crazy but true: A common beta blocker used for heart patients to treat chest pains and help lower heart rates can also lower prejudice against others, according to a new Oxford University study. While the study was small-scale and the results are open to interpretation, they make some sense given what the pills do to patients' brains.

Thirty-six people took part in the study. Half received the beta-blocker and half a placebo.

Two hours later, each took a psychological exam. Participants categorized positive and negative words, along with pictures of white and black people.

A third of those who took the beta blocker scored lower on the test, suggesting they were less racially prejudiced at a subconscious level.

No one who took a placebo got that result.

And while all this may sound crazy, scientists say there is a rational explanation: racism, they maintain, is founded on fear, and beta blockers act on the part of the brain that governs fear and emotional responses.

In Southern California, generations of immigrants are creating an evolving definition of "American." Multi-American is your source for news, conversation and insight on this emerging regional and national identity.